“Best news ever. This is seriously a game changer for me. I had late fees from when I was in the hospital and wouldn’t go back because I couldn’t afford to pay them.”
Category: library-services-for-poor-people
Meeting the Needs of Library Communities During COVID-19
How are needs being met for people who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please take this HHPTF survey. It is anonymous and your IP address will not be tracked. There are fourteen (14) questions in the survey.
McCormick Library Pilots a New Approach to Homeless, Troubled Patrons
“A unique intramural partnership bridges the Dauphin County Library System and county Human Services to create new avenues in crisis response.”
Group Pushes Hennepin County Library System to Drop Fines
Sandy Berman is a retired librarian who started the “Committee for the Abolition of Library Fines.” He said he feels locking out a child from libraries due to an overdue book is contradictory to the mission of libraries.
This Cincinnati Library Is Lending Help to the Homeless
“David Siders, the library’s civic engagement coordinator, told WCPO that the services are an attempt to bolster the community and break away from some of the conventional thinking about the role of libraries.”
Tempe Book Bike Program Aims to Boost Literacy to Underserved Communities
“A Tempe Marine veteran is putting literature on two wheels to deliver library services to people who are homeless via the Tempe Book Bike Program.
The program is housed under the Tempe Public Library, which is the closest public library to ASU’s Tempe campus. The program acts as a mobile book service that allows individuals living in underserved communities to check out books without a library card.”
San Francisco Public Library Set to Write Off More Than $1.5 Million in Overdue Fines
“The San Francisco Public Library Commission has already recommended eliminating library fines, but on Thursday it voted to forgive existing fines as well.
The decision comes as the San Francisco Public Library is on the verge of a new fine-free chapter, after officially recognizing the punitive practice creates an ‘unfair barrier to access, which disproportionately impacts residents of lower socioeconomic status.'”
Pikes Peak Library District Adds Social Worker
“The Pikes Peak Library District said adding a social worker to its staff helps fill a gap that traditional library personnel weren’t prepared to meet, furthering its mission to connect people with resources, whatever those may be.”
Berkeley Public Library Expands Access to Resources for Homeless People
“Residents who previously experienced obstacles in obtaining access to Berkeley Public Library resources and items will no longer face this issue with the implementation of a new Easy Access Card, which allows those without a permanent address to use and check out library resources.”
LA’s Homeless Get More Help in Wake of I-Team Reports on Libraries
“Some branches of the LA Public Library are also expanding their ‘Source‘ program, which holds monthly events at neighborhood branches to link the homeless with various social services, including emergency housing programs, drug and mental health treatment, and emergency relief. At Durant Library this past week, a record number of people lined up for hours to attend the Source event.
Head Librarian John Frank says his branch got an infusion of public money to expand this event, after the I-Team’s reports.
‘The reports raised awareness of the plight of the different populations in the library, and they’ve inspired some people to help us out and give us a little more money,’ said Frank. ‘It’s made a big difference.'”